Chael Sonnen discusses Francis Ngannou's potential UFC return
After disagreeing on terms for a new contract with the UFC, Francis Ngannou parted ways with the promotion. However, Chael Sonnen believes we could still see the heavy-handed athlete return to the octagon.
'The Predator' set personal interests aside as he tried to negotiate a deal with the UFC, which would have heavily benefited those competing in the promotion. Unsurprisingly, his demands were rejected.
Health care and individual sponsorships were just some of the clauses the star wanted to include if he was to sign the multi-million dollar contract offer. However, Ngannou claimed that he'd have agreed to stay even if the UFC met a single one of his demands.
While discussing the former heavyweight champion's decision to leave the UFC, Chael Sonnen compared the Cameroonian's situation to Jon Jones' recent absence from the cage. Sonnen insisted that Ngannou's UFC comeback is still on the cards:
"Until Francis tells us to close the book, that he is done, he has retired, he has moved on... I cannot see a difference between what Jon Jones did three years ago and what Francis is doing now... Don't close the book, and don't turn the page, we're not there yet."
'The American Gangster' expects the heavyweight to spend a short time away from the UFC before coming to terms with his former employers, which could well open up a Jon Jones super fight that many fans have been clamoring for. 'Bones' will first need to beat Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 on March 5.
Check out what Chael Sonnen had to say about Ngannou's potential UFC return in the video below:
Will Francis Ngannou return to the UFC?
While the door will likely never close until he retires from combat sports, Francis Ngannou's UFC career seems to be over.
The African heavyweight has his eyes on a venture into boxing with Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Dillian Whyte as the three men atop his list of possible opponents.
Although he hasn't retired from the sport of mixed martial arts, Francis Ngannou is a prideful man who wants to abide by his moral code and do what he believes is right, which makes an agreement with the UFC almost impossible.